Plot Summary

The Promise of a Pencil

Adam Braun
Guide cover placeholder

The Promise of a Pencil

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2014

Book Brief

Adam Braun

The Promise of a Pencil

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Promise of a Pencil, Adam Braun recounts his journey from a successful career at a top consulting firm to founding Pencils of Promise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building schools and providing educational materials in underserved communities. Inspired by a child's simple request for a pencil, Braun leaves his corporate job, leveraging a $25 deposit and his network to create lasting change through education, and sharing his methods for others to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact.

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Adventurous

Hopeful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

10,199 ratings

80%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Adam Braun's The Promise of a Pencil garners praise for its inspiring narrative about building a global education nonprofit. Readers appreciate Braun's passionate storytelling and actionable insights. However, some critique its occasional self-promotion and lack of deep structural analysis. Overall, it effectively motivates individuals to pursue altruistic endeavors.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Promise of a Pencil?

A reader who would enjoy The Promise of a Pencil by Adam Braun is inspired by entrepreneurial stories of social change. Fans of Blake Mycoskie’s Start Something That Matters or Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala will appreciate Braun’s journey of building schools in developing countries. The book appeals to those passionate about education, philanthropy, and making a global impact.

4.4

10,199 ratings

80%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The author, Adam Braun, was inspired to start his educational charity, Pencils of Promise, after a simple encounter with a young boy during his travels who wished for a pencil.

Braum founded Pencils of Promise with just $25, a milestone that symbolizes how powerful small beginnings can be in making a global impact on education.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The book highlights how Braun balanced his entrepreneurial dreams with working at Bain & Company, showcasing a blend of corporate experience and philanthropic ambition.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!